getting an 87 190E 2.6, known problems?
11-09-2004, 03:22 PM
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87 190E 2.6/1995 M3
getting an 87 190E 2.6, known problems?
hi guys, I'm gonna pick up a blue 87 190E 2.6 A/T today.... what are common problems with this model?
it needs some work, but mostly cosmetic... the power antenna is sticking a little and does not go all the way up, and it needs a new trunk lock but overall it looks ok for its age... odometer says 130k miles but I'm skeptical....
it needs some work, but mostly cosmetic... the power antenna is sticking a little and does not go all the way up, and it needs a new trunk lock but overall it looks ok for its age... odometer says 130k miles but I'm skeptical....
11-09-2004, 05:26 PM
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'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
The most severe problem with the M103 motor is the high rate of head gasket failures; probably followed by cracked and leaking valve guides. Either way, anyone contemplating buying any car, particulary a Mercedes, would be wise to spend some money on having the cylinder compression tested in all cylinders and having all the plastic/rubber/metal joints in the suspension checked.
12-28-2004, 02:11 PM
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87 190E 2.6/1995 M3
Originally Posted by Messerchmidt
only things good that are old are wine and cheese, maybe a honda or toyota. NOT a mercedes, if that thing begins to give problems, ohh boy.
12-28-2004, 04:21 PM
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'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Originally Posted by Messerchmidt
only things good that are old are wine and cheese, maybe a honda or toyota. NOT a mercedes, if that thing begins to give problems, ohh boy.
04-28-2005, 03:29 PM
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1987 Mercedes 190E 2.6
I just got mine as well and this what I had to do so far (granted it was a gift so I am not upset about it)
1. Had rust in the back corners of the trunk. I had to grind out the rust spots and actually weld pieces of metal to replace it. It was some work, but no big deal.
2. Changed the serpentine belt
3. Change the oil and transmission fluid
4. Change the air filter
Of course, that's just the start. I have some electrical issues and have an oil leak that I haven't been able to figure out yet. Might be that dreaded head gasket. Hope not.
1. Had rust in the back corners of the trunk. I had to grind out the rust spots and actually weld pieces of metal to replace it. It was some work, but no big deal.
2. Changed the serpentine belt
3. Change the oil and transmission fluid
4. Change the air filter
Of course, that's just the start. I have some electrical issues and have an oil leak that I haven't been able to figure out yet. Might be that dreaded head gasket. Hope not.
04-28-2005, 03:47 PM
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'92 190E 2.6
I had to replace the headgasket at 108k miles... Check the coolant reservoir for any residue of oil and you'll know if your headgasket is on its' way down. I got about 11k since the gasket started making the whole block wet. Good luck.
Maciej
'92 190E 2.6
Maciej
'92 190E 2.6
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04-28-2005, 05:14 PM
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1987 Mercedes 190E 2.6
I checked the coolant reservior and there is no oil. I am thinking valve cover. However, what is that housing in the front of the engine (between the block and the radiator called?
04-28-2005, 05:49 PM
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'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Timing chain cover.
Your oil loss could also be from cracked and leaking valve stem seals, another typical Mercedes problem of that era. Also, check the air cleaner vent from the valve cover to see if there's a lot of oil "blowby" getting up to the filter housing, which would be a symptom of a bad valve stem seal.
General advice for new owners . . . start a maintenance log and as soon as possible get on a regular maintenance schedule. As a requirement, get all the fluids and filters flushed and changed with Mercedes OEM fluids, especially the coolant, because if it's green it's going to cost you green in the near future.
Your oil loss could also be from cracked and leaking valve stem seals, another typical Mercedes problem of that era. Also, check the air cleaner vent from the valve cover to see if there's a lot of oil "blowby" getting up to the filter housing, which would be a symptom of a bad valve stem seal.
General advice for new owners . . . start a maintenance log and as soon as possible get on a regular maintenance schedule. As a requirement, get all the fluids and filters flushed and changed with Mercedes OEM fluids, especially the coolant, because if it's green it's going to cost you green in the near future.
